Brown's strained cruciate ligament

    • Gold Top Dog

    Brown's strained cruciate ligament

    A couple of days ago, Brown started limping on his right back leg, and within the last year or so, this wasn't unusual for him after strenuous exercise or rough-housing with Grey. We think he got hurt going up the steps, when Grey, who has the attention of a housefly, ran up the steps and into Brown, knocking him partially off the steps. Anyway, I made an appointment to have him checked out because I'm always concerned about his hips and knees since he's a lab and getting older, and we don't know his history. I even started him on glucosamine almost two years ago just incase. Anyway, he was examined in May during his yearly physical, and the vet said his hips were great. We saw our regular vet at the same clinic today who was impressed with him. She said his hips are excellent, and he's "well-preserved" for seven. He's even at his ideal weight, although losing one or two pounds wouldn't hurt. His coat is glossy, his teeth are immaculate, and his joints are great, despite the knee thing. So she gave him a pretty good exam today and found that he strained his crucuiate ligament and prescribed meds for a few days. I told her how he does limp from time to time after really pushing himself, and she said that it could be a repeated injury. Brown really isn't limping anymore...it's very slight, and he should be back to normal in a few days, but does anyone have advice, especially if this is something that will happen continuously?
    • Gold Top Dog
    he should be back to normal in a few days

     
    If, by that statement, you mean that his gait will look normal, then I agree.  But, ligament injuries take a looooooong time to heal.  I fell down my back stairs when I was 31 and really strained the ligament in my ankle.  My gait was fine in a couple of weeks, but I could feel that sucker for over a year when I put any kind of strain on that joint.  My advice would be to see that your dog does not do any kind of strenuous activity that involves twisting and turning, or jumping for quite some time.  JMHO, and my desire to save you from having to do ACL surgery:-))
    • Gold Top Dog
    This is a very common injury among suburban dwelling Border collies.  [;)]

    You might want to consult an orthopedic specialist or a holistic chiropractice specialist.  Cruciate injuries are troublesome and can sideline an active dog on and off indefinitely if not treated proactively.  The specialists can probably do little at this stage but emphasize the importance of rest, and outline exactly what activities are allowable and for how long.  However, consulting them at this stage would mean they are already involved further down the line, if further damage is done or the strain won't heal.  A veterinary specialist can also give you advice about proper conditioning to avoid reinjury in the future.

    Good luck!
    • Gold Top Dog
    ORIGINAL: spiritdogs
    If, by that statement, you mean that his gait will look normal, then I agree. 

     
    I should have said "he will look normal..." Sorry my wording was unclear.
     
    A couple of years ago, I messed up a bunch of ligaments in my foot, and that was probably the most painful injury I've ever had. I couldn't put pressure on any part of my foot...not the front, not the back...it was horrible, and it took forever to heal.
     
     
    • Gold Top Dog
    ORIGINAL: brookcove
    You might want to consult an orthopedic specialist or a holistic chiropractice specialist. 

     
    I know there are no specialists in my area, but I'd imagine New Orleans has (or had) some, and I'm not terribly far from LSU either, so I'm sure I can find a specialist if the situation gets worse. I've lost track of vets around here after living in MS for a few years. Thankfully, we have an awesome vet (who has saved Brown's life before) at the top clinic in our area, and she'd definitely send me to the right dr. if need be.
     
    Thankfully, things have been pretty quiet around here lately (for the animals, at least) since we just moved and have been remodeling things. So the boys haven't been running around the house as much since there's just too much junk in the way. They also can't go swimming in the nearby lakes and canals...the gators are out and about, and I'm not taking any chances since I spotted a 5-footer twice in the canal behind our house.